Two-pore channel 2–small integral membrane protein 38 readthrough (TPCN2-SMIM38 readthrough)

The **Two-pore channel 2–small integral membrane protein 38 readthrough** gene (ENSG00000287725) represents a transcriptional readthrough event that fuses the coding regions of TPCN2 (Two-pore channel 2) and SMIM38 (Small integral membrane protein 38). TPCN2 encodes an intracellular cation channel essential for Ca²⁺ and Na⁺ flux across lysosomal and melanosomal membranes, with functional relevance in vesicular transport, pigmentation, and melanoma risk. The readthrough transcript is a locus-annotated event with no well-characterized protein or functional role distinct from its parent genes. Thus, it is not considered a classical receptor, ion channel, or therapeutic target under current guidelines. Functional and therapeutic data relate to TPCN2 proper, while SMIM38 is a small integral membrane protein of unclear function. No known drugs, mechanisms, or disease roles are assigned exclusively to the readthrough product, and its biological relevance remains uncertain. If your intent is to work with canonically established drug targets, use **Two-pore channel 2 (TPCN2)**. If readthrough/fusion transcript annotation is essential (for RNA-level studies, rare peptides, etc.), note that current knowledge does not support its recognition as a therapeutic target. TPCN2 is a well-established ion channel and therapeutic target, but ENSG00000287725 as TPCN2–SMIM38 readthrough is likely a technical annotation rather than a functionally validated entity.

Other names

TPCN2-SMIM38 readthroughENSG00000287725

Activation or inhibition of endolysosomal cation channel activity (mainly for TPCN2 protein)